"Bedfordshire Police will solve more crimes", if re-elected as Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) at the 2 May poll says, Festus Akinbusoye.
As of March 2024, the force had 1,472 police officers, the highest ever on record, surpassing the 2010 figure of 1,264. Due to the focus on officer retention by Festus and the investment made into staff welfare, the force has significantly improved from having one of the worst retention rates in England and Wales in just three years.
This means Bedfordshire Police is also retaining more of its experienced officers to help with mentoring the new recruits, saving tax payers hundreds of thousands of pounds. However, with this improving workforce picture must come improved outcomes for residents, and justice for victims.
Commenting on this announcement, Festus Akinbusoye said:
"Quite rightly, the key focus of my first term as Commissioner has been the recruitment and retention of police officers. Bedfordshire Police now has its highest ever number of officers at 1,472 compared 1,264 in 2010; and a near 3% improvement in officer retention."
"With this much improved position compared to when I was first elected in 2021, the next area of focus must be to make sure we get the very best out of our officers and staff by equipping them with the best tools available to prevent crime, catch more criminals, and solve more crimes."
"This will involve investment in technology, people, and streamlining processes for our workforce. Additionally, there will also be an expectation that the police attend more reported crimes and take up available evidence in a timely manner."
Crimes solved has increased by nearly nine per cent over the 12 months between March 2023 and March 2024, while overall, crime has fallen in Bedfordshire since May 2021, meaning fewer victims of crime and more criminals facing justice.
However, despite Bedfordshire now having the 11th lowest crime rate out of 43 police force areas in England and Wales, there is still a lot more to do.
There is clear evidence that where the police attend and follow up on evidence, crime falls. For example, Bedfordshire Police became one of the first forces in the country to have forensics attend every residential burglary while creating a dedicated anti-burglary team. In March 2024, the police attended ninety-nine per cent of all burglaries and ninety-five per cent in December 2023.
A recent report also found the force to have the fastest response time to a residential burglary report. As a result, Bedfordshire has seen one of the biggest reductions in residential burglaries in the country and a much improved solved rate as well.
"Much progress has been made in getting Bedfordshire Police to where it is now, but there is more work to do. However, we cannot afford to put this progress at risk. I will build on the progress of the last three years, and deliver a force that is solving more crimes, if re-elected as Police and Crime Commissioner on Thursday 2nd May", commented Mr. Akinbusoye.